Crib Sets - Everything You Need For Your Newborn to Sleep Soundly From Day One

The best crib sets come with everything you need for your infant to sleep soundly from the beginning. They are already shrunk and machine washable. They are designed to fit snugly around the mattress, and avoid bunching - a major risk to the safety of babies.

One parent testigator stated that she used hers for two children and then passed it on to a friend and it was a great purchase. Its streamlined design also makes it a perfect choice for small nursery designs.

Bedding

There are plenty of choices when it comes to bedding for your crib. But choosing the right sheet is more than just picking a cute pattern to be in line with your preferences. You need to find one that fits snugly and doesn't clump up in places where it could be a suffocation hazard for your baby. And it has to be soft to the touch and durable enough to endure months of blowouts in diapers and spit-up, without deteriorating too fast.

The Avocado set is one of our top picks. It contains two sheets that are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The textiles are also MADE SAFE certified, an independent third party certification that ensures that the company's products are in compliance with strict standards for quality and safety. The sheets are pre-shrunk to guarantee that they won't shrink or stretch after washing. They also fit a standard crib (27 1 4 inches wide by 51 5/8 inches long). The blankets can be washed to get rid of the inevitable mess that your little bundle is likely to make.

A crib mattress pad is another excellent option for infants and toddlers. It adds an extra layer of comfort and shields the mattress from accidents and staining. Find mattresses that are less than an inch thick, so your child is able to breathe easily. Avoid anything that is too soft, or with long ribbons, bows or other ornaments. These can come off and pose a strangulation hazard.

If you plan to keep your baby in a crib for a long time, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted to a toddler bed, or even a daybed or full-size. Some cribs come with conversion kits, whereas other require a separate purchase.

A few of our favorite cribs include this Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 crib in a sleigh style, which is constructed of solid wood and features one of the highest mattress heights (for parents who are concerned about reaching down to a low mattress). We also love that it's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it complies with stringent environmental standards for reduced off-gassing.

Mattress

Size and firmness are crucial when it comes to crib mattress. The AAP recommends using a firm mattress that fits snugly and does not leave an indentation when you lay a sheet on it. The mattress should also be of the right size for the crib and it should remain in place, even after your baby grows out of it.

You'll also want to check whether the mattress has chemicals that could harm your child. Choose a mattress that is odor-free and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--which typically emit a unpleasant chemical smell. A good indication is a CertiPUR US certificate which confirms that the foam used in mattresses is made without Ozone depleters, PBDEs cots and tots TDCPP and TCEP flame retardants mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, which are regulated by Consumer Product Safety Commission, and volatile organic compounds.

Other things to think about include how much weight the mattress weighs and whether it's waterproof or not. A surface that is waterproof or wipeable is better for cleaning, since you'll have to change sheets in the night. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic 150 Seamless 2Stage is the most heavy product we've tested, weighing in at 20 lbs. This may be a problem for certain parents.

Another important thing to consider is if the mattress has a dual-sided; some of these have a firm infant side and an easy toddler side. Pediatricians advise flipping the mattress of your child when they reach the height of normal growth. This is typically at around 12 months.

We measured the mattresses and then observed how they could be folded easily to cover the sides of the crib with sheets. We also put an 8-pound weight, a bit heavier than a newborn, on each one to see how the mattress reacted. The best ones did not sink in, which means that they provide enough support to prevent your child from falling out of mattress while sleeping or drowning. Some of the mattresses we test had a removable cover that is machine washable and is waterproof. This makes cleaning and maintaining them more simple.

Crib Rails

A crib can't be complete without a set of fixed rails. While some cribs for babies offer baby rails with the crib however, some offer them on their own. If you decide to buy them separately, search for rails that meet the safety requirements. For example, they should be free of missing or loose screws, brackets, and other hardware. They should also be able to support the weight of your child without becoming too fragile. They should also secure themselves in place so that they can't be taken away by your child.

The crib rails must not only be sturdy but also fit comfortably within the frame of the crib. This will keep the mattress from becoming too fragile, which could be dangerous for your baby. When purchasing crib rails, make sure to examine the inside of the frame, since there are slight variations in crib sizes. Ideally, the space should not be more than three fingers wide.

Also, make sure that the crib rails don't contain any cutouts that are decorative or other embellishments. They can create an suffocation threat. Avoid placing quilts, pillows or blankets in the crib. These could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, increasing the risk of SIDS for your baby. If you want to include a soft sleep surface in the crib, consider a crib pad and cover combo. These products consist of mattress pads with a waterproof lining and an adjustable "skirt" that wraps around the mattress in the same way as an oversized sheet.

In the end, you'll need to get the right crib rail protectors. They are designed to protect the head of your baby if it hits the crib railings as you feed him or her or cradling them on the Cot Bed. They also can help avoid dental marks and drool discoloration on the crib's railings that are fixed.

You'll have to purchase a toddler railing once your child has outgrown their crib. This will keep them safe in bed until they are ready for a bigger bed. Sweetpea Baby has a convertible crib toddler guard rail that is compatible with most standard cribs. It's easy to set up and meets all of the safety standards of the CPSC.

Crib Hardware

Certain crib design elements are strictly aesthetic and are subject to personal taste, but others -- like the style of the slats on the crib or the possibility of it converting into a toddler bed- can have a significant impact on the user-friendliness of the crib as well as its longevity. The most durable cribs are made of solid wood construction, meet various safety standards, and are easily adaptable to various mattress heights. Some have distinct features that make them more efficient such as the Quick Zip Crib Sheet, which allows you to change the sheets without removing the entire mattress from the crib.

Avoid cribs that have decorative cutouts, or other accessories, as they could snag on clothing or pose a risk of choking for infants. Be sure to check the crib's hardware for loose bolts and other items that can catch on clothing or objects.

The best crib sets include easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary components, including hardware. Most modern cribs take a half hour or less to put together, and many include all the tools you'll require.

Think about a convertible crib that can be transformed into a toddler, daybed or a full-size mattress. This is a good option for families who intend to use the crib for a number of years or have limited space. It is important to remember, though, that some crib conversion kits require additional items to complete the process.

It isn't easy to comprehend crib hardware, but it is vital for security and stability. Most cribs feature an arrangement of rectangular blocks and wedges (also known as "shims"), and large chocks called step chocks, all of which are designed to snug up contact points between the crib and the supported surface.

Some chocks and shims are constructed from soft woods that crack slowly, which can provide warnings that sound before they fail and more rigid wood materials could break abruptly and with more force. Shims and chocks made of plastic are also available for purchase. They are simpler to install, as they do not require drilling into the surface.